School Transition and Re-Entry (STAR) Service

A child with cancer or a blood disease can have a difficult time going to school and learning because of illness, medical appointments and treatment side effects. Your child’s medical team knows that school is important, and we are here to help. The specialists in our School Transition and Re-Entry (STAR) Service can work with you to help remove any barriers to learning your child’s illness may cause.

About the School Transition and Re-Entry Service

The STAR Service is an extension of our internationally recognized Cancer and Blood Disease Institute. Dedicated school re-entry specialists help children resume their education after diagnosis by:

  • Working with you and school staff to plan your child’s transition back to school
  • Ensuring that your child gets accommodations that help them access education
  • Helping your child receive appropriate instructional services

Our Approach

Our school re-entry specialists work alongside your child’s doctors, nurse practitioners, psychologists and social workers to develop personalized school-based recommendations for your child. We help you understand these recommendations and work with you and your child’s school to get appropriate instructional services and accommodations.

Highlights of our program include:

  • Resources: We provide easy to understand guidance and informational material, including sample letters for requesting school-based services. STAR staff can also connect you with community-based resources that provide specialized educational services.
  • Access: Our school re-entry specialists are available in CHLA’s HOPE Resource Room. No appointments are required. We can also meet with you during your child’s medical appointment.
  • Patient- and family-centered support: STAR services are available to you at any stage of your child’s disease and treatment. We customize our services to meet your child’s individual needs. Our team includes bilingual Spanish-speaking specialists. All STAR services are available at no cost to you.

School-Based Services and Accommodations

We can assist you with school-based needs such as:

School re-entry

  • Collaboration with school staff to facilitate re-entry
  • Documentation from medical providers for school staff
  • Information for school staff to help develop classroom presentations

Accommodations

  • Additional time for completing tests or assignments
  • Excused absences that are medically related
  • Extra textbooks to keep at home, so your child doesn’t have to carry a heavy backpack
  • Medical services your child may need at school
  • Preferential classroom seating
  • Reduced course load or fewer assignments
  • Rest breaks when needed 
  • Transportation services to and from school

Instructional services

  • Adaptive physical education as recommended by your child’s medical team
  • Assistive technology to help your child benefit from instruction
  • Extended school year services to help minimize learning loss over the summer break
  • Mental health or other counseling services to support your child’s emotional needs
  • Special education instruction
  • Support services such as school-based speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and services for visually impaired students
  • Tutoring to help your child get or stay up to speed

Post-high school guidance

  • Accommodations in college
  • Scholarship information for survivors of childhood cancer and blood diseases
  • Vocational rehabilitation and job training services

Additional Support Services for Children and Their Families

The STAR Service is one of many ways CHLA’s Cancer and Blood Disease Institute supports children, young adults and families. Additional offerings include:

Resources for Cancer Survivors at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

At Children’s Hospital, your child receives comprehensive support from diagnosis through age 21. Our services can help your child cope with the psychological impact of cancer, late effects of cancer treatment and transitioning to adult care. Learn more about our Survivorship and Supportive Care Program.

Contact us

The Cancer and Blood Disease Institute welcomes new patients, referrals and second opinions. Please call us to make an appointment.

Cancer and Blood Disease Institute News

View all